Where you pitch your tent can be a big factor in how much you enjoy your camping experience.
Johnny Malloy, author of The Best in Tent Camping: Wisconsin (Menasha Ridge Press) and other books on outdoor life, says a good spot is one that has a level tent pad, solitude, an attractive natural setting, and fun things to do nearby. Fun things are especially important if kids are along.
When scouting for a spot, here are some elements to look for:
* A water source close by. You don't want to go far to fill a pan.
* If you go to a campground with cabins or pre-made tents, request a site that's not far from bathrooms.
* Find a place with a shady spot.
* Don't pitch your tent under a tree. It increases your chance of being struck by lightning in a storm. And the tent will continue to get rained on after the storm is over.
* Locate a flat area for cooking that's least likely to be affected by wind gusts.
When you leave your camp, put food in a safe storage container. Metal storage boxes work. If don't have them, consider hanging food from a tree at least ten feet from the ground and five feet away from the tree trunk
You won't miss watching television in the evenings if you practice stargazing. It's one of the joys of camping out.
